Everyone wants to keep their family safe. People will take great care to reduce the risk brought to their children and loved ones, from saving up money in case of a potential accident to actively maintaining their car to keep their transportation options open. Whatever way you cultivate your own security, one of the most notable concerns on many a homeowners’ mind is that of radon gas exposure. Odorless and colorless, this harmful chemical has been discovered in millions of American homes and provides a notable risk of lung cancer if not removed.
What Is Radon Gas?
It’s important to be aware of the dangers present in your home. While the outside is host to a variety of airborne pollutants and diseases, studies have actually found your house can be even more hazardous due to its build-up of dust, mold, chemicals and radon gas. Radon gas is a naturally occurring element — it’s far from safe, however, and its odorless and colorless nature means it can be present in high levels and go almost entirely unnoticed. About one in 15 American homes are estimated to have radon levels either at or above the EPA recommended action level.
What Are The Short-Term Dangers Of Radon Gas Exposure?
Radon gas testing is a method used to identify and quantify the amount of radon gas present in your home or neighborhood. According to the U.S. EPA, nearly one in three homes across seven states and three Indian lands have tested positive for radon exposure — screening levels over 4 pCi/L are considered far and above what is recommended for human exposure. Short-term side-effects of radon exposure can include coughing, wheezing, sensitivity and difficulty breathing. This can be worse if individuals already possess a breathing issue such as bronchitis or asthma.
What Are The Long-Term Dangers Of Radon Gas Exposure?
The most significant issue of radon gas exposure is its significant health detriment in the long-term. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer known in the United States — a family whose home possesses radon levels of over 4 pCi/L is exposed to at least 35 times as much radiation as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would allow if the same family was standing right by the fence of a radioactive waste site. As such, radon gas testing and radon mitigation services are necessary to keep you and your loved ones safe from harm.
How Does Radon Gas Testing Help?
Whether or not you suspect you have radon gas in your home, a radon gas testing service can lay any fears to rest. Scientists estimate that lung cancer deaths can be reduced by anywhere from 2% to 4% by lowering radon levels in homes — that’s nearly 5,000 deaths total. Even passive systems of mitigation have been shown to be capable of reducing radon levels by more than 50%. Sump pump installation and radon gas fans are both tools considered effective in filtering and dramatically reducing radon gas levels, directly reducing the risk of lung cancer in your area. Consider calling a radon abatement service and creating a healthier environment for your family today.